Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-26 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. 2011 MAY I b P 1: 2 3 Date: April 26, 2011 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Hal Croft Visitors: Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services Matt Casey, Reading Patch Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle 1. Call to Order Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) The Chair reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Reports (1) 1. Student 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs reported on the recent Blue Ribbon Conference. She thanked the administration for offering her the opportunity to attend. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty thanked Mrs. de Garavilla for coordinating the Blue Ribbon Conference. He also thanked Ms. DeLai for the presentations on Articles 15 & 16 at Town Meeting. The Superintendent shared that he participated in the Prindle Pond field trip over vacation. He said it was a wonderful experience and feels this trip is very important for our students. The team building, development of interpersonal relationship and connection with the outdoors is vital in the development of the complete child. He thanked the Coolidge staff members that also were on the trip. Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent April 26, 2011 4. Director of Pupil Service Mrs. Oliveira announced that enrollment for the Integrated Reading Rocket Club is ongoing. The information is on the website and has been mailed to elementary school families. 5. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla reported on the Blue Ribbon Conference. She indicated that the feedback from participants had been very positive. Comments she heard throughout the two days included hw impressed that many of the workshops were presented by our staff and Reading really promotes a culture of learning. Mrs. de Garavilla thanked the staffs of the Barrows, Eaton, Parker and High School for hosting site visits. She said that there were over 200 participants from outside of Reading. Mrs. Janowski asked if we could possibly offer a student strand next year. Mr. Croft suggested that possibly the CMS Science Team or the National History Day could be part of the conference. Mrs. de Garavilla indicated that we were fortunate to have RMHS students presenting as well as a few students from out of district that accompanied presenters. 6. Director of Finance and Operations Mrs. DeLai congratulated the Wood End School and Food Service staff and Kristin Morello for winning a Health & Wellness grant that is being used for a salad bar. The salad bar is up and running at the school. B. Continued Business FYI 2 Budget Update Dr. Doherty indicated that the joint resolution was very favorable for Reading. The $103,000 has been restored to the School Department FY12 budget allowing the 2.4 FTE teachers returned. There will still need to be reductions. FYI 1 Budget Update Ms. DeLai reviewed the current status of the FYI 1 budget. She reviewed the budget lines and indicated that she will recommend a transfer at the next meeting to cover a deficit in the Other Programs line. April 26, 2011 B. New Business Award of Transportation Contract Ms. DeLai reviewed the process for transportation bids. She is recommending that the School Committee authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with North Suburban Transportation. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with North Suburban Transportation to provide school bus transportation for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014 with the option to renew for two additional one year terms as outlined in the Director of Finance and Operations Memorandum dated April 19, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Approval of Field Trips Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the upcoming National History Day trip to the University of Maryland. We have 7 students and 2 teachers attending. Mr. Robinson moved seconded by Mr. Croft to approve the National History Day field trip to Maryland in June as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 21, 2011 The motion carried 6-0. Friends and Family Day Chair Caruso asked for input regarding Friends and Family Day. The committee offered suggestions as to what to have available for the public. 2011-2012 School Committee Calendar The Chair reviewed the calendar for the next year. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated April 11, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept the donation of a used CAD plotter valued at $1000 from Mr. Jeff Struble as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 21, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept the donation of a document camera from. SMART technologies valued at $799 to the Coolidge Middle School. The motion carried 6-0. April 26, 2011 Calendar Mr. Caruso asked for any agenda items that the members would like to see on a future agenda. Chair Caruso reminded the School Committee of the Executive Session on Monday evening at 7 p.m. and the next meeting May 9 h which will include continued discussion on the naming of the field. IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Reading Teachers Union, and approval of minutes and not to reconvene to open session. The roll call vote was 5-0-1. Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Janowski, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Michaud. Mr. Croft abstained. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. #I IN ) V _ ! gJ hn F. Doherty; Ed.D *perintendent of Schools